Day 1
Welcome to Calgary
Pick up your rental car at Calgary airport and make your way downtown.
The province’s first city, Calgary sways between modernity and tradition. Downtown’s towering skyscrapers proudly solidify the city’s reputation as an oil and gas capital. It’s also a cowboy capital, welcoming the largest outdoor rodeo every year. Nature seeps into the city, inciting waterfront strolls along Bow River and across historic neighbourhoods. At the doorstep of the epic Canadian Rockies and the sprawling Badlands, Calgary is at the centre of Canada’s most stunning scenery. At night, enjoy the restaurants and bars of the pedestrian Stephen Avenue.
Day 2
Calgary - Edmonton (300 km)
Take in the city’s many attractions, like Heritage Park, a historic village that re-creates life in western Canada from 1860 to 1950, or, you could make it to the top of the Calgary Tower.
Next stop: Edmonton, Alberta's capital, where you can visit the Alberta Legislature Building, the hip Strathcona neighbourhood or the West Edmonton Mall, Canada's largest shopping mall.
Day 3
Edmonton - Jasper (365 km)
The journey to Jasper, an important resort town in the Rockies, is defined by breathtaking landscapes. With its unique layout, the village of Jasper follows the banks of the Athabasca River. Immerse yourself in nature or, for the ultimate summit snapshot, take the Jasper SkyTram. Once at the top, you can admire the vast glacial valley, numerous turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, the sinuous Athabasca River, Jasper village, and so much more.
Day 4
Jasper
There are countless outdoor activities to enjoy across the region. Hiking enthusiasts will want to head to Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies. Maligne Lake is another hiking favourite, you can opt to do so before or after your 1-hour cruise on Maligne Lake's crystalline waters. Closer to Jasper, the Pyramid Lake’s trail is guaranteed to charm, as is a quiet stroll through Jasper village. At night, don’t miss the starry sky, as Jasper National Park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve.
Day 5
Jasper – Banff (288 km)
Travel to Banff on one of the most spectacular roads in the world: the Icefields Parkway. This picturesque road crosses the Rockies and connects Lake Louise to Jasper. Keep an eye out for elks, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears and caribou. Excursion to the Columbia Icefield: Discover the power of glaciers during this exciting excursion that showcases one of the Canadian Rockies’ most unique attractions. Travel aboard a giant Ice Explorer, across an ancient glacier, and step right onto ice that is deeper than the Eiffel Tower. Continue towards Banff, stopping on the way for photos of the Bow and Peyto lakes, as well as iconic Lake Louise, famous for its dreamy, turquoise hue.
Day 6
Banff
Discover the region of Banff. Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain: admire the exceptional views of six mountain ranges and Bow Valley. The view from the top of Sulphur Mountain is simply breathtaking. You can even dine at the summit, or at the foot of the mountain, at the prestigious Fairmont Banff Springs, which was once one of the iconic Canadian Pacific Hotels. Make the most of your day by discovering Banff and its surroundings. Spot the hoodoos, the fairy chimneys, go horseback riding across the back country, admire the stunning views from a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, hike to Johnston Canyon, visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site to learn more about the discovery of sulphurous waters, or go souvenir shopping on Banff’s Main Street.
Day 7
Banff – Calgary (130 km)
Back to Calgary! Enjoy the day at leisure.
Day 8
Fly home
Return your rental car and board your flight home.